Adults

Together We’ll Find the Way

At Shandon, you’ll discover diverse, life-enriching opportunities, for all ages and life stages, that allow you to grow closer to God, connect and build real relationships, and expand your faith. From diverse Sunday school classes and small group studies and communities, to church-wide activities, you’ll find lots of choices for spiritual and personal enrichment, and lots of opportunities to develop close friendships and to make a difference. There are many ways to get connected and to be involved.

For more information about adult ministries or to get connected, contact Ruthie Taylor, Director of Adult Studies, at rtaylor@shandon-umc.org or Lesli Wood, Director of Christian Education and Programs, at lwood@shandon-umc.org

Would you like to have a conversation about your faith journey? How to begin or how to go deeper on your journey? Maybe you’re searching for more meaning in your life? Maybe you’re searching for connection and a place to belong? We’re here to talk. If you’d like to talk about your faith journey, contact Lesli Wood, Director of Christian Education and Programs, at 256-8383, ext. 108 or lwood@shandon-umc.org.


2023 Winter Doorways to God – Adult Christian Education Classes

Our Doorways adult classes are a great way to quickly get plugged in and equipped. Some classes can be short and dedicated to a topic or book, while other classes are ongoing communities. Winter 2023 Doorways classes will begin the week of January 8, 2023. All students are asked to purchase and bring their own book.

SUMC Prayer Group

Leader: Lilla Ann Briggs 

Location: Zoom 

Day/Time: Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

Start/End: On-going 

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2 NIV 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6 NIV 

“Prayer does not equip you for the greater work, it is the greater work.” Oswald Chambers 

Please send your email address to Lilla Ann to be added to the Zoom invitation for the prayer group: forgiventoo7@gmail.com.

Lenten Studies

Modern Heroes of the Faith

Leader: Rev. Smoke Kanipe

Location: Player Hall

Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. 

Start/End: Thursday, March 2 – Thursday, March 30 (5 weeks)   

During the season of Lent, you’re invited to get to know five of the true heroes of faith in the 20th century. Award-winning filmmaker Martin Doblmeier created a series of hour-long documentary films about these great men and women of faith called “Prophetic Voices,” each of which has aired nationally on PBS. Join us as we view one of these films from 6:00-7:00 p.m., followed by 30 minutes of discussion. Come and be inspired and challenged by these “prophetic voices”!

March 2 – Howard Thurman

March 9 – Reinhold Niebuhr

March 16 – Dorothy Day

March 23 – Abraham Joshua Heschel

March 30 – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Adults Events

Apr
2nd

Easter Lilies

Easter Lilies

Sponsor an Easter lily for our worship spaces in honor or memory of your loved one. Each plant is $20. You can also give a donation to our Landscaping Fund.

The deadline to order is Sunday, April 2. Please visit shandon-umc.org/register.

More info

Apr
4th

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Main Parking Lot | 11:00 a.m.

Triple T Meals for February 2023

Order your lunch online by Monday evening, then pick up your meals in the parking lot Tuesdays between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Menu
April 4: Chicken Salad, Pasta Salad, Fruit Salad, Roll, and Dessert

Meals are $8 each. To order, visit shandon-umc.org/register

More info

Apr
11th

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Main Parking Lot | 11:00 a.m.

Triple T Meals for March 2023

Order your lunch online by Monday evening, then pick up your meals in the parking lot Tuesdays between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Menu

Tuesday, April 11: Pork Roast, Squash Casserole, Green Beans, Roll, and Dessert

Meals are $8 each. To order, visit shandon-umc.org/register

More info

Apr
12th

Holy Land Trip: Info and Interest Meeting

Holy Land Trip: Info and Interest Meeting

Player Hall | 6:00 p.m.

Have you wondered what it would be like to study scripture with a new perspective if you could see firsthand the landscape of the Holy Land, stand by the Jordan River, and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?  Do you enjoy the fellowship and comfort of traveling with friends and getting to know others as a part of your travel adventure?

Join us for an informational meeting about a trip to the Holy Land led by Pastor James Grubb with co-host Lesli Wood in February 2024.  This informational meeting will include an itinerary, details of the trip, and Pastor Grubb’s personal experiences from his previous trips to the Holy Land.

A meal ($8: Lemon Chicken, grilled vegetables, red mashed potatoes) is included with the meeting for which registration is required.

Our travel group to the Holy Land will be limited to 32 participants.  Join us for one of the meetings to receive the information for registration so you don’t miss out.

More info

Apr
18th

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Main Parking Lot | 11:00 a.m.

Triple T Meals for March 2023

Order your lunch online by Monday evening, then pick up your meals in the parking lot Tuesdays between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Menu
Tuesday, April 18: Bruschetta Chicken with Pasta, Green Salad, Roll, and Dessert

Meals are $8 each. To order, visit shandon-umc.org/register

More info

Apr
19th

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

Apr
24th

Wagon Tour at Eudora Farms

Wagon Tour at Eudora Farms

Eudora Farms | 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

We will experience a drive-thru safari tour of this fabulous wildlife park, home to more than 200 wild animals. The wagon tour includes a tour guide to answer your questions and a bucket of feed for the animals. The safari takes about an hour, and the walk thru safari is open for more personal visits with the animals.

The cost is $28 per person and includes a box lunch.

Approximate times: Depart the church at 9:00 a.m. and return at 2:30 p.m.

Register at shandon-umc.org/register.

Contact Susan Curran for assistance with registration.

More info

Apr
25th

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Triple T – Tim’s Tuesday Takeout

Main Parking Lot | 11:00 a.m.

Triple T Meals for March 2023

Order your lunch online by Monday evening, then pick up your meals in the parking lot Tuesdays between 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Menu
April 25: Meatloaf, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans, Roll, and Dessert

Meals are $8 each. To order, visit shandon-umc.org/register

More info

Apr
26th

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

Apr
29th

Great Day of Service Save The Date

Great Day of Service Save The Date

| 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Shandon’s Great Day of Service will be on Saturday, April 29th from 9 a.m. – 4p.m. Our Great Day of Service is a day that we head out into the community and serve our neighbors by helping them with various projects.  Some of our helpful projects are listed below:  

 
Homeless No More

Volunteers will assist with yard work and touch up painting and perhaps other ideas as they bubble to the top!
 
Epworth

Volunteers will write cards to staff (this is a sit-down volunteer position.)  Additional volunteers may assist with assembling first night bags while others assist with grounds work.
 
Cooperative Ministry

Volunteers will assist with sorting through their clothing donation closet and organizing clothing.
 
Habitat For Humanity

Volunteers will help with a morning build.  No prior experience needed. 
 
Adger Road Garage

While our new parsonage has hosted a refugee family and is soon to host another, the garage was never cleaned out form the original owners.  We will need several volunteers to sort through the garage and one person with a truck to haul things off that cannot be used.   
 
SIT DOWN VOLUNTEERS are needed to write cards to shut-ins and Epworth Staff.

Donations needed

Folks who cannot be present can help by donating to the Great Day of Service fund to provide resources, such as paint and plants, as needed.  Persons may also help by donating cookies, fruit, and snacks and water.

We also need financial donations to offset project costs, supplies, and refreshments for volunteers.

  • Give online: shandon-umc.org/give, then select “Donation-Great Day of Service.”
  • Give by check: In the memo line, designate “Great Day of Service.” Checks can be mailed to Shandon Business Office, 3407 Devine Street, SC 29205.

Questions

Should you have any questions, please contact Sue Haddock (ksuehaddock@gmail.com) or Rev. Shannon Bullion (sbullion@shandon-umc.org).  

More info

May
3rd

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

May
4th

Swan Lake Gardens And Lunch

Swan Lake Gardens And Lunch

| 9:30 a.m.

Thursday, May 4, depart Shandon at 9:30 a.m. for a leisurely ride to Sumter. We will visit Swan Lake, the Iris Gardens, and then head downtown for lunch. After lunch, we will spend some time visiting the downtown area and then you can nap on the ride back to Columbia. Return time will be between 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. There is no cost for the trip, however you will need to bring money for lunch.

More info

May
7th

Holy Land Trip: Info and Interest Meeting

Holy Land Trip: Info and Interest Meeting

| 12:15 p.m.

Have you wondered what it would be like to study scripture with a new perspective if you could see firsthand the landscape of the Holy Land, stand by the Jordan River, and pray in the Garden of Gethsemane?  Do you enjoy the fellowship and comfort of traveling with friends and getting to know others as a part of your travel adventure?

Join us for an informational meeting about a trip to the Holy Land led by Pastor James Grubb with co-host Lesli Wood in February 2024.  This informational meeting will include an itinerary, details of the trip, and Pastor Grubb’s personal experiences from his previous trips to the Holy Land.

A meal ($8: Lemon Chicken, grilled vegetables, red mashed potatoes) is included with the meeting for which registration is required.

Our travel group to the Holy Land will be limited to 32 participants.  Join us for one of the meetings to receive the information for registration so you don’t miss out.

More info

May
7th

TREK May 2023 – New Member Path

TREK May 2023 – New Member Path

Shandon United Methodist

TREK, Shandon’s new member path, is a three-session course to connect you with others new to Shandon, familiarize you with Shandon’s campus, discuss topics related to the Christian faith and United Methodist Church, and help you discover opportunities to serve and be served.

More info

May
10th

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

May
17th

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

May
24th

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Prayerful Stretching with Meg Brooks

Knox Rm 204 | 5:45 p.m. – 6:45 p.m.

Join us for six weeks of classes with Meg Brooks, combining stretching exercises with Scripture, meditation, praise music, and rest in Jesus. All fitness levels are welcome. Modifications for limited mobility will be provided.

Classes will be held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, April 19 – May 24, in Knox Room 204 (Genesis classroom).

No registration. Come when you are able. No fees, but donations are accepted.

More info

Aug
11th

Garage Sale “Missions Possible”

Garage Sale “Missions Possible”

Gym | 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Friday, August 11 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & Saturday, August 12 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Dunn Smith Ministry Center

The Shandon United Methodist Women and many volunteers work to put together Shandon United Methodist Church’s annual garage sale. Every penny raised is used to support various shelters and missions throughout South Carolina. CASH ONLY

More info

Aug
12th

Garage Sale “Missions Possible”

Garage Sale “Missions Possible”

Gym | 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Friday, August 11 from 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. & Saturday, August 12 from 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The Shandon United Methodist Women and many volunteers work to put together Shandon United Methodist Church’s annual garage sale. Every penny raised is used to support various shelters and missions throughout South Carolina. CASH ONLY.

More info

Sep
10th

TREK September 2023 – New Member Path

TREK September 2023 – New Member Path

Shandon United Methodist

TREK, Shandon’s new member path, is a three-session course to connect you with others new to Shandon, familiarize you with Shandon’s campus, discuss topics related to the Christian faith and United Methodist Church, and help you discover opportunities to serve and be served.

More info

Sunday school is base camp for becoming disciples – establishing a foundation for discovering God, building relationships, and exploring and growing in Christian faith. It’s where faith comes alive through engaging, relevant study and discussion, discipleship is nurtured and strengthened, and close friendships grow.

At Shandon, you’ll find 12 adult Sunday school classes for all ages and life stages. Classes meet each Sunday from 9:45-10:45 a.m. Some classes are comprised of similar ages and life experiences and others are focused around common interest of topics. The classes are diverse, engaging, and focus on exploring the Bible and relevant, contemporary studies as well as an emphasis on community service and social activities.

Couples and Singles, 30s-50s. Bruner Building, 221.

Bible-based discussion studies are led by volunteers from within the class. Social, family, and mission activities are an important part of this class. They are a mission-oriented class that builds relationships through service, and they have occasional social outings.

Come and listen to a biblically based lecture series led by Dr. David Shields, a distinguished USC professor. Bring your Bible as David reads scripture each week and provides commentary, historical context, and insight.
• Learn alongside others.  
• Not your typical Sunday School class.
• Open to all.
• Located in the Chapel on the first floor of the Betty Bruner Building.

Couples, 30s-early 40s. Knox Building, 208.

Offers opportunities to meet and grow together as couples and followers of Jesus Christ. Bible study around everyday concerns facing young couples today: marriage, raising a family, living as Christians in the workplace, etc. Members volunteer to facilitate and a team of regular guest teachers often lead. They stay in touch through email and many social activities. The class volunteers at Epworth Children’s Home.

Singles and Couples, 50s-70s. Knox Building, 214.

A large class that thrives on lively, open-minded discussions and lectures on contemporary issues and short-term topics. Members are supportive in all areas of church life. Social events include a party at Christmas and in the spring. A monthly class newsletter keeps members connected with prayer concerns and class news.

Couples and Singles, 70s+. Knox Building, 209.

Large class with a warm, friendly atmosphere. They use the Adult Bible Studies curriculum led by a team of class members. Class members regularly participate in mission work including visiting shut-ins and providing food for the Family Shelter. They have once-a-month dinners and other social events, and have a weekly email.

Couples and Singles, late 30s-40s. Knox Building, 201.

Many in the class want to learn by facilitating lessons from the Bible or often a DVD-based study. It’s comfortable for either spouse to come alone, when the other can’t. This circle of friends surrounds each other in good and hard times, as they grow together in faith. Fun is high priority and often includes their young children. The class also makes time for a variety of service projects.

Young Couples, 30s. Bruner Building, 223.

Focuses on being disciples of Christ through Bible-based studies with relevant messages for life today, service to others, and supporting each other through a strong fellowship community. The class has an ongoing partnership with a boys cottage at Epworth Children’s Home and is committed to hands-on service and relationships with those boys.

70s-80s. Bruner Building, 220.

Putting Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last is the foundation for this class of mostly “older” professional men and women who strive to exemplify their name. Dr. Harvey Allen, their long-time teacher, teaches toward this goal. They financially support many local charitable organizations. They enjoy Christmas, Fall and Spring social activities. A large class of over 160 members who stay connected with a weekly email of news of celebrations, prayer concerns and a synopsis of the Sunday school lesson.

Couples and Singles, 40s-80s. Bruner Building, 224.

A Reconciling Ministries Class that welcomes and celebrates human differences such as sexual orientation, socioeconomic condition, and spiritual journey. Varied life experiences include civil rights initiatives, military service, community and international work and travel. They often explore early Christian thought, contemporary Christianity and ethical teachings, and current events/social concerns as they occur. The class provides financial support for many church and community ministries. They also enjoy time together on outings and meals, and Christmas Brunch is a much-anticipated yearly event.

Couples and Singles, Mid-20s to Mid-30s. Bruner Building, 216.

Offers young adults and young professionals the opportunity to foster Christian friendships and relationships. With peer- and guest-led, discussion-based lessons on current events and biblical topics, Path Finders allows participants to deepen their personal relationship with Christ through the study of scripture. Through service in the community as well as social activities, Path Finders creates opportunities to live out Christian discipleship and deepen relationships with one another.

Couples and Singles, 65+. Bruner Building, Wesley Hall.

Knows the long history of Shandon, through experience. They are a warm group of men and women who care for one another and the congregation. A team of rotating guest teachers gives lectures from the Adult Bible Studies curriculum. They enjoy fellowship, cake and coffee before class.

Day and evening discussion studies delve into a large variety of subjects. The fall and winter programs provide opportunities for more in-depth spiritual and personal enrichment and nurture.

Topics have included:

  • Understanding the Bible: Bible Studies
  • Discipleship
  • Prayer
  • Financial Peace
  • The Bible and Music
  • Faith, Christianity
  • Studies Especially for Women and for Men
  • Parenting in Today’s Society
  • Sunday School Specials for Adult Classes

Small groups sharing life together as disciples of Christ with real connections and deep, meaningful relationships. D-group is about going deeper – with three core principles: pushing one another forward, lifting one another up and sending one another out.

Maybe you've been part of a small group – a Sunday school class or a Bible study – and now you’re searching for something more. Or maybe you've never been part of a small group. Maybe commitments have made it challenging to plug-in and grow in your faith as much as you’d like. Whatever the case, D-groups are available for men, women and couples. The groups meet at various locations, at the church, in homes or at off campus locations with times ranging from mornings to afternoons to evenings, and childcare is provided on Wednesday evenings.

Renew your spirit, rest your body, nurture your faith, and encourage your discipleship. Women of all ages are invited to join our annual weekend women’s retreat each January at The Cove in Asheville, NC. At The Well we make time to reflect on God's presence in our lives and recommit to making time for Him each day. Enjoy prominent speakers as we worship, study, pray, and play together. The Well is open to both Shandon members and the community.



Connect with a small group community and experience close friendships and personal and spiritual growth.

Through warm fellowship, spiritual growth and dedicated service, women of all ages are invited to grow in Christ, support each other, and care for others through local and global missions. The Shandon UMW is composed of close to 150 women of all ages with four Circles plus a Youth Circle that meet regularly during the school year. During the year, there are four general membership meetings, two in the evening with supper and two are at lunchtime. They also sponsor an annual Garage Sale that has become a shopping staple in the Columbia community and a successful fundraiser for local non-profit organizations. New members are always welcome.

UMW Circles

  • Augusta Beckman Circle: Monthly meetings on the first Monday after the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in member homes or at the church.
  • Mary Campbell Circle: Monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at member homes or at the church.
  • Ola B. Taylor Circle: Monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the church.
  • Susanna Wesley Circle: Monthly meetings on the second week of the month at 6:30 p.m. in member homes or at the church.
  • Daughters of Esther (youth 9th grade and up): Monthly meetings on the first Sunday of the month from 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Men of all ages gather together to be in fellowship, share meals, play and be active, dig into study, and serve. They get together monthly for a hearty breakfast, a centered time of prayer for families, the community and world, and fellowship. The group also strengthens their faith through studies, enjoys man nights with outings like ballgames and barbecue, attends an annual men’s retreat, and they’re active in community service. For more information contact Rev. James Grubb at jgrubb@shandon-umc.org.

Enjoying and sharing life together… Adults 65+. Focused on providing fun and fellowship activities. Day trips to locations such as Asheville and Hendersonville, NC, and Charleston, SC with activities like apple picking, shopping, dining at quaint local eateries and touring attractions. Fun and fellowship on the church campus through Trivia Nights, Greening our Faith, seasonal parties, and more. Monthly lunch adventures at local restaurants as well as dates for Koger Broadway shows, concerts, local theater productions and attractions throughout the Midlands. For more information contact Susan Curran, Director of Older Adult Ministries, at scurran@shandon-umc.org.

Share a love for literature. If you enjoy interesting conversation and sharing viewpoints, the stories and characters in books always provide great subject matter and stretch your thinking about all kinds of subjects that affect our lives and faith. The books are in a broad range and chosen six months out at Book Club regular meetings. The SUMC Book Club meets on the third

Wednesday of each month from 5:30-6:30 p.m. To be on the mailing list, contact Anne Cox at anne41450@aol.com.

Helping people in need. People in today’s world are faced with many challenges. At Shandon, you’ll find concerned people of all ages dedicated to putting their faith into action and making a positive difference in the lives of others. Missions is a key ministry area through which we reach out to our neighbors – down the street and around the world. At Shandon, our mission involvement is wide-ranging.



Relax and enjoy life together. With today’s fast-paced lives, we all need time to relax and reenergize. At Shandon, you’ll find a variety of leisure events and activities for all ages where we come together as a church family to enjoy life and have fun.